Lorraine L. Slichter

She excelled in basketball and telling jokes.

She married Charles Billups in 1959. They raised four kids as they traveled the country. In 1965, they returned to the Pierce area as their oldest, Chet, became old enough to start school. After a short time at Townsite 4, the family moved to Whispering Pines, where Lorraine remained in the same home for 50 years, raising lots of kids and a little hell now and then.

In 1972, Lorraine married Ronald Slichter. This relationship brought forth Ronnie Sam, who is a treasured gift to the whole family.

Grandkids started arriving in 1979, bringing Mom great joy and lots of love until her passing.

"Rainy," as most knew her, passed from this world Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, and into one free of the pain and the lung disease that had plagued her for some time. She was at peace and ready to go when the time came. "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is what she sang as the time was drawing near.

While most called her "Rainy" or "Rainy-Do," many called her Mom. She was a great listener and never judgmental. Those traits, her terrific work ethic and her sense of humor made her the best bartender around. "Get it down and get it workin'," was her trademark saying. Though tending bar "drove her to drink" (her words), she loved the interaction and the opportunity to pull a prank or two - some of which are legendary. She was a people person, and that is probably why she enjoyed bartending over work in the plywood plant, at Dworshak Fish Hatchery and for Columbia Helicopter.

Aside from her work, Rainy enjoyed softball while in her prime, playing at a high level for many years. She was a tremendous athlete who could hold her own on any field of play. She even possessed trophies for arm wrestling and proved hard to pin into her 70s.

More than anything, Mom loved to make people laugh. Gatherings with family and friends were always a laugh fest. She loved to share a song. Singing karaoke with her friends was a treat for all. Granddaughter Jackie Jo Isbelle is cut from the same cloth and shared many of those times with "Grawma."

Her family and friends will miss her dearly. She is survived by four sons, Chet and Debbie Billups of Pierce, Greg and Lynette Billups of Weippe, Todd and Chrissie of Post Falls, Idaho, and Ronnie and Angie Slichter of Portland, Ore.; a daughter, Tammi, who rarely left her side during her illness (and Jim) of Portland; and always helpful daughter-in-law, Jennifer Billups of Pierce. Mom would want to mention Scott Smith of Pierce as like a son as well.

She was blessed with 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She leaves a sister, Betty Lou Jennings; and brother David Anderson of Reno, Nev., who brought much love and care to the family during Mom's last days. She is also survived by the love of her life, husband Ron; and Ron's sister, Kathleen Vopat, was also a great comfort to Mom. Many dear friends will miss her - most notably Debbie Troutwine of Lewiston and Myrna Ely of Pierce.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Donna Jean, Alice and Helen; and brothers Herb and John.

Mom was respected and loved. She was deeply honored to serve as grand marshal for the 1860 Days parade. She loved Pierce, America, and its residents as much as they loved her. Folks near and far know Rainy, and all are invited to pay respects and share a memory or two at a memorial service at noon Nov. 14 at the Pierce Community Center. A meal and short graveside service will follow.

Memorials may be sent to the White Pine Credit Union, Main Street, Pierce, ID 83546, in Mom's name to go toward expenses and to local charitable causes.